Ben Sulaim: I will never be anyone's puppet.

      Last week, Tim Mayer announced his intention to run for the position of FIA President. At the press conference dedicated to his candidacy, he heavily criticized the current federation head, Mohammed ben Sulayem. In Silverstone, the FIA President was asked to comment on the words of his future election opponent.

      "Public criticism of me doesn't bother me," said Mohammed ben Sulayem. "Some people have nothing to do with FIA, and during elections, their words are completely spineless. They can say whatever they want to earn votes from electors.

      Let me ask you: have you ever read even one article where I spoke badly about someone? No, thank you. That's simply not my style. My approach is to communicate with federation members, listen to them, and trust them. That's the only way."

      Ben Sulayem added that he invites all who criticize him to visit the FIA headquarters to personally see what the working environment is like.

      "Have you ever been to the FIA office?" continued the FIA President. "I invite you to visit Geneva and Paris, see how work is organized there, and decide whether there’s an atmosphere of terror or not.

      There isn't. People can speak freely; I'm not in a one-actor theater, since all decisions go through management processes and ethics committees. So his words don't affect me. I wish him all the best."

      Mohammed ben Sulayem also stated that he will welcome new candidates in the upcoming elections: "Maybe someone else will run. Carlos Sainz Sr. planned to, but decided not to.

      In any case, we welcome any contenders. From my side, I want to make it clear that I would prefer to serve one term and do everything right, rather than three terms and remain a puppet in someone else’s hands. That’s not my style. I’ve never done it before and I never will."